Munster beefed up by quintet

FIVE of Munster’s most experienced players have been released from the national squad to assist in a pre-season match against La Rochelle on Friday.

Munster coach Tony McGahan is delighted to have the experienced Peter Stringer, Damian Varley, Niall Ronan, Mick O’Driscoll and Marcus Horan available for the game that comes at the end of a four day camp in the French city.

Many regulars are still involved in the Irish squad, but McGahan will have a squad of 31 in France and seems certain to give game time to newcomers Ian Keatley and BJ Botha, who have joined from Connacht and Ulster, respectively.